The HPV vaccine is a crucial tool in preventing certain types of cancers and diseases caused by the Human Papillomavirus, offering protection particularly against cervical cancer, which affects the lower part of the womb.

A health worker at the Manhyia Government Hospital in Kumasi, Adwoa Anima, explained to the Ghana News Agency during a school vaccination exercise that HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer.

She emphasised that HPV is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), and the free vaccines are primarily targeted at young girls before they become sexually active.

Adwoa Anima highlighted that the HPV vaccine has key benefits, as it offers strong protection when given before any exposure to the virus and helps in the prevention of infections and other deadly diseases.

Statistics released by the GHS indicate that over 2,797 women in Ghana are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, with only about 40 per cent surviving and cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the vaccine is recommended as part of routine immunization for girls when they turn nine years old, along with other preventive measures, as the vaccine is safe, effective, and free for girls aged nine to 14 years.

Ms. Anima said the vaccine is not for sale for the targeted age group.

She said adults who wish to be vaccinated can go to a nearby hospital for it, urging parents and guardians to help, teach, and advice their daughters to get vaccinated, as it would go a long way to prevent and curb cervical cancer and other deadly diseases.

Source: GNA

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In a statement issued on Thursday, August 28, 2025, the Service said it is working with the Oti Regional Coordinating Council and the Ministry of Health to contain the situation.

A National Case Management Rapid Response Team has been deployed to support regional health officials in assessing and managing the outbreak.

Typhoid fever, caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria, spreads through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, and abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea.

The GHS has urged the public to take preventive measures such as boiling drinking water, practicing hand hygiene, avoiding open defecation, and ensuring proper food preparation.

It also encouraged community clean-up campaigns to reduce the risk of further spread.

The Service said further details will be provided after its initial assessment.

Source: AdomOnline

Speaking on behalf of the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Deputy Director of GHS, Caroline Amissah Reindof, said the move comes at a critical time when partner support is dwindling and new funding streams remain limited.

“I am delighted that the GHS has taken the initiative to reactivate the Ghana Liver-Hepatitis Fund. This will complement government resources to ensure seamless and integrated hepatitis services nationwide,” she said at the 2025 World Hepatitis Day commemoration in Accra.

She stressed the need to prioritise newborns and children, who are most vulnerable to hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B.

According to her, administering the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth is crucial to preventing mother-to-child transmission.

“Chronically infected individuals face a four-to-five-times higher risk of developing cancer than those who smoke daily. Yet, hepatitis is preventable, curable, and treatable, with treatment reducing cancer risk by over 80%,” she noted, urging Ghanaians to seek timely treatment.

Themed “Let’s Break It Down,” this year’s World Hepatitis Day highlighted the need to remove barriers to hepatitis services in line with Ghana’s universal health coverage goals by 2030.

Ms. Reindof further called for sustained public education to combat stigma and misinformation surrounding the disease.

Also present, Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Country Representative, reaffirmed the WHO’s support for Ghana in expanding affordable diagnosis and treatment. “We urge all stakeholders, including CSOs and the government, to work together to mobilize resources to eliminate this epidemic,” she said.

Adding to this, Atsu Seake-Kwawu, Programmes Manager of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program, assured Ghanaians that donor funding shortfalls would not derail progress.

He cited initiatives such as the Mahama Cares policy, which continues to support healthcare delivery.

Akosua Agyapomaa Antwi

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Health officials say five of the patients are currently on admission and receiving treatment, with no deaths reported in the latest outbreak.

The GHS has assured the public that it is closely monitoring the situation and has heightened surveillance efforts, especially in affected regions, to contain the spread of the virus.

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease related to smallpox. Common symptoms include fever, severe headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, backache, and a characteristic skin rash. It spreads through direct contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently renewed calls for increased investment in Mpox diagnostics, vaccine development, and public education initiatives across Africa. The organisation also emphasized the importance of de-stigmatising Mpox to ensure affected individuals seek timely treatment without fear of discrimination.

Source: AdomOnline

Consequently, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has responded by directing all regional health directors to reactivate their public health emergency operations centres.

They are also being urged to step up surveillance, risk communication, and case management efforts across the country.

These new cases mark the first confirmed infections this year.

According to health officials, the two cases are unrelated and were both identified at a health facility.

Contact tracing is currently underway to prevent further spread. The patients are under close monitoring.

Ghana’s outbreak of Mpox began on June 8, 2022, when five initial cases were reported.

By November 2023, the country had confirmed a total of 34 cases. Before this outbreak, Mpox was not known to be endemic in Ghana.

A circular signed by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service called for a renewed response to the threat, including improved detection and response strategies.

Mpox is a viral illness similar to smallpox. It typically causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin or bodily fluids, including through sexual contact. Symptoms may include fever, rash or lesions, tiredness, headaches, muscle and back pain, and swollen glands.

Across Africa, the disease remains a major concern. As of March 2025, more than 24,200 cases and around 260 deaths have been recorded in 22 countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been hardest hit, accounting for a large share of both the cases and the fatalities.

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In a letter communicating the changes, expected to take effect from May 19, 2025, the Acting Director-General, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, stated that the restructuring is part of ongoing institutional reforms intended to boost operational efficiency and improve public health outcomes.

The changes affect senior staff within regional health directorates, national health programmes, and the GHS headquarters.

Regions impacted include Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, Central, and Ahafo.

At the heart of the reshuffle is a realignment of leadership within critical national programmes.

Officials in malaria, HIV/AIDS, immunisation, and non-communicable diseases have been reassigned as part of a rotation strategy, with experienced officers taking on new responsibilities at both national and regional levels.

Among those redeployed is Dr. Hilarius A.K. Abiwu, who is leaving his role as Deputy Director of Public Health in the Northern Region to become Acting Programme Manager for the National Malaria Elimination Programme at the GHS headquarters.

Similarly, Dr. Emmanuel A. A. Teviu, previously based in the Ashanti Region, assumes the role of Acting Programme Manager for the National AIDS Control Programme.

Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, who served as District Director for La Nkwantanang-Madina in Greater Accra, has been appointed Acting Programme Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Wallace Odiko-Ollennu, formerly the Deputy Chief Dental Officer, will now lead the Non-Communicable Diseases Unit in an acting capacity.

As part of the broader reshuffle, current Programme Manager for the AIDS Control Programme, Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, has been posted to the Northern Region as Acting Deputy Director of Public Health.

Other key changes include the reassignment of Dr. Efua Commeh from the NCDs unit to serve as Acting District Director for La Nkwantanang-Madina, and Dr. Andrew Ayim’s redeployment from GHS headquarters to the Ahafo Region as Deputy Director of Public Health.

Dr. Keziah Maim also takes up a new post as Acting Deputy Director of Public Health.

The GHS has instructed all regional and divisional directors to facilitate smooth transitions, emphasising that handovers must not disrupt ongoing services. Officers are required to notify the headquarters upon assuming their new roles.

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Prof. Akoriyea made this declaration during the official renewal ceremony of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the KOKO Plus Foundation (KPF), the Ajinomoto Foundation (TAF), and the Ghana Health Service.

The renewed agreement is part of ongoing collaborative efforts to tackle child malnutrition and improve health outcomes across Ghana.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Prof. Akoriyea expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued support and underscored Ghana’s readiness to learn from and work closely with Japanese partners to develop sustainable health solutions.

“We are ready to partner and learn with you to improve Ghana’s health sector,” he stated during the signing ceremony, addressing the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Yoshimoto Hiroshi.

Also present at the event was Dr. Kennedy Bomfeh, Director of Production, Project Management, and Academic Affairs for KOKO Plus and the Ajinomoto Foundation.

He reaffirmed the foundations’ commitment to supporting Ghana’s fight against child malnutrition.

Dr. Bomfeh highlighted that the renewed MoC would enable the foundations to scale their efforts, reach more children, and significantly enhance nutritional outcomes nationwide.

The partnership marks continued dedication to improving child health through sustainable, evidence-based interventions, further strengthening the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Japan in the health sector.

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“These students have not only demonstrated academic brilliance but also shown that they are ready to be champions of change.”

The top-performing schools received a range of prizes, including laptops, tablets, books, and other educational materials to support their academic pursuits.

Some of the award-winning students expressed their gratitude and shared how the experience had inspired them.

“We are very proud to have won. This competition taught us so much about malaria and how we can help stop it. Thank you to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Education Service, and our teachers for supporting us,” one student stated.

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The announcement was made during a media workshop aimed at strengthening cholera risk reporting in the region.

Speaking to JoyNews, Akumatey Tetteh, the Greater Accra Regional EPI Manager, confirmed the milestone, describing it as a major public health achievement.

“I can confidently say that Greater Accra is cholera-free at the moment,” Tetteh noted. “During the first and second quarters of this year, we recorded 151 cases and 10 deaths. However, as of now, there have been no new cases. Our surveillance shows zero reports of cholera, and we are safe for now.”

Eunice Joan Teah Dzagli, the Greater Accra Regional Health Promotion Officer, also stressed the region’s commitment to maintaining this status, especially during the rainy season.

“We are aiming for zero cholera cases during this rainy season,” she said. “Achieving this goal requires a collective effort from the media, religious bodies, and various agencies. We do not want to return to the challenges we faced in November, December, and January.”

The declaration marks a significant step in the region’s efforts to strengthen public health and prevent future outbreaks.

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The new appointments, which take effect from April 14, 2025, aim to improve efficiency and ensure the achievement of GHS objectives.

Among the key changes, the Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) for the Upper East Region, Dr. Samuel Kwabena Boakye-Boateng, has been reassigned as the Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division (PPMED) at GHS headquarters.

Dr. Kennedy T.C. Brightson, formerly the Medical Superintendent at Shai-Osudoku Municipal Hospital, will now serve as Acting Director of Family Health at GHS headquarters.

Dr. Abdulai Abukari, the Northern Regional Health Director, has been reassigned as the Director of Special Duties at GHS headquarters.

Other notable reassignments include:

• Dr. Alberta Adjebeng Biritwum-Nyarko (Mrs.) – Formerly at PPMED, now RDHS for the Central Region.
• Dr. Marion Okoh-Owusu – Formerly at the Family Health Division, now RDHS for Bono East.
• Dr. Braimah Baba Abubakari – Formerly RDHS for North East, now RDHS for Upper East.
• Dr. Damien Punguyire – Formerly RDHS for Upper West, now RDHS for Eastern Region.
• Dr. Josephat Ana-Imwine Nyuzaghi – Formerly RDHS for Savannah, now RDHS for Upper West.
• Dr. Emmanuel Atsu Dodor – Formerly RDHS for Ahafo, now RDHS for Volta.
• Dr. Akosua A. Owusu-Sarpong (Mrs.) – Formerly RDHS for Greater Accra, now RDHS for Ahafo.

GHS officials believe these changes will help enhance service delivery and align healthcare management with national development goals.

 

Dr Chrysantus Kubio: Previously the RDHS for the Volta Region, he will now serve as the RDHS for the Bono East Region.

Dr Paulina Clara Appiah**: Formerly the RDHS for the Bono East Region, she will now serve as the RDHS for the Western North Region.

Dr Godfred Kwabena Sarpong: Previously the RDHS for the Western North Region, he will now serve as the RDHS for the Northern Region.

Dr John Ekow Otoo: Formerly the Medical Director at the Upper West Regional Hospital, he will now serve as the RDHS for the North East Region.

Dr Robert Amesiya: Previously the RDHS for the Savannah Region, he will now serve as the Acting Regional Director for the Greater Accra Region.

The GHS emphasises that these changes are necessary to ensure that health services are delivered efficiently and effectively, and to meet the healthcare needs of the population.

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The initiative was announced during a dissemination meeting on universal nutrition and health coverage held in Kumasi, aimed at improving maternal and child health through sustainable nutrition systems.

Speaking to Adom News, Olivia Timpo, Deputy Director of Nutrition at GHS, expressed concern over the rising cases of anemia despite efforts to promote good health practices.

She noted that while exclusive breastfeeding rates have declined, anemia prevalence remains high, necessitating intensified education on proper nutrition.

To address the issue, she revealed that counseling units have been established at health facilities to provide guidance on nutrition and anemia prevention.

The campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage healthier dietary habits to reduce the risk of anemia-related complications among vulnerable groups.

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The campaign will target children from newborns to five years old in select areas of Greater Accra, spanning nine districts in the region.

It is scheduled to run from February 27 to March 2, 2025, with health professionals reaching out to various locations, including homes, lorry stations, markets, schools, and churches, to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Deborah Noble-Yorke, the Health Promotion Officer in the Ablekuma South District, confirmed the campaign in an interview with Adom News.

She emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “We are committed to ensuring that every child is protected from polio, and this campaign is critical in reaching those who may have missed out during last year’s efforts.”

Noble-Yorke also noted that the previous campaign faced challenges, with some schools and parents refusing to allow health professionals to vaccinate their children, leaving some children unvaccinated. This has led to the reinitiation of the campaign.

“The success of this campaign depends on the cooperation of parents, school leaders, and community members,” Noble-Yorke urged. “We urge all parents to bring their children forward for the vaccination. It is essential for the well-being of our children and for the collective health of our communities.”

The districts included in the vaccination drive are Ablekuma North, Ayawaso West, Ayawaso North, Adentan, Ga Central, Ga South, and Tema West.

Noble-Yorke reassured the public that the Ghana Health Service remains committed to providing high-quality healthcare, aligned with the Ministry of Health’s goals and the President’s vision to improve public health in the country.

Parents are strongly encouraged to support the campaign and ensure their children are vaccinated against polio, a potentially life-threatening disease.

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This initiative, which begins Friday, 14th February, aims to immunise over 300,000 residents in the capital as part of urgent efforts to contain the spread of the life-threatening infection.

The nationwide cholera outbreak has already resulted in more than 4,000 reported cases across five regions—Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, Ashanti, and Western—prompting heightened concerns among health authorities and the public.

Tragically, over 40 lives have been lost due to the epidemic.

Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection, spreads primarily through contaminated food and water, leading to severe diarrhoea, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, fatal complications.

The outbreak has been linked to poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean drinking water, and unhygienic food handling practices.

Health experts caution that without immediate intervention, the situation could deteriorate further.

As part of the national response strategy, the Ministry of Health and GHS are deploying oral cholera vaccines (OCV) in high-risk communities.

The vaccine provides short-term protection against the disease and is particularly crucial in areas with inadequate potable water and sanitation facilities.

Authorities continue to urge the public to adhere to strict hygiene measures while vaccination efforts are underway.

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According to the Acting Director-General of GHS, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, this proactive measure is aimed at protecting frontline workers and preventing the further spread of the disease.

The Central Region has recorded 14 cholera-related deaths, raising serious public health concerns.

Dr. Akoriyea also highlighted the significance of contact tracing, revealing that health authorities have already identified families closely linked to affected patients.

Speaking to Citi News after visiting cholera patients at the Winneba Municipal Hospital, he disclosed that a team will soon be deployed to schools and market centers to educate the public on cholera prevention and control measures.

“We need to boost the morale of health workers and ensure they continue providing care without fear. That’s why we have decided to start vaccinating health workers and the families of those already infected to prevent further transmission,” he stated.

He further stressed the urgency of vaccinations to limit the spread, adding, “Contact tracing can be challenging, so the key priority is vaccination to prevent an escalation.”

The GHS’s intervention is expected to enhance public health safety and reduce the impact of the cholera outbreak in the region.

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In a statement, GHS noted the infection is currently spreading across China and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

Given this, the Service has put heightened monitoring measures in place, emphasising public vigilance to mitigate potential risks.

The statement signed by the Director-General of GHS, Dr Patrick Kumah-Aboagye explained that the outbreak is not linked to a new virus, as with COVID-19.

However it aligns with the typical seasonal increase of hMPV-related respiratory infections during winter.

The statement revealed that weekly respiratory samples from all 16 regions of Ghana have not identified any unusual respiratory pathogens, including hMPV.

But to bolster readiness, the GHS has initiated various measures in collaboration with partners and in line with WHO guidelines.

These include enhanced surveillance of acute respiratory infections, expanded laboratory testing, continuous assessment of developments in the Northern Hemisphere and increased public education campaigns to raise awareness of preventive practices.

The general public have therefore been advised to adhere to practical preventive measures, such as practising proper respiratory hygiene, maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding touching the face, wearing face masks when necessary, seeking prompt medical care and adopting healthy dietary habits.

GHS further pledged its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Ghanaians.

“The GHS assures the public that it is taking necessary steps to protect the health of Ghanaians and will provide regular updates on the situation,” the statement concluded.

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The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed 35 deaths from the cholera outbreak and 4,155 suspected across five regions nationwide.

The Western Region according to GHS has been the most affected, recording 17 deaths, with the majority occurring within 24 hours of hospital admission.

This was contained in a statement dated December 24, 2024, and signed by GHS Director-General Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye.

The statement explained that, the outbreak initially spread from the Greater Accra Region to the Central, Eastern, Western, and Ashanti Regions.

However, there are now no active cases in the Eastern Region while most districts in the other regions have also reported no new cases in the past week.

GHS has acknowledged the efforts of health workers, local authorities, and other stakeholders in addressing the outbreak and assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to bring the situation under control.

The statement highlighted an oral cholera vaccination campaign conducted from November 30 to December 19, 2024, in hotspot areas such as Awutu Senya East and Sekondi-Takoradi.

Of the 792,482 eligible people, 662,906 were vaccinated. Awutu Senya East has not recorded any new cases since the campaign while continuous measures are underway to curb the spread.

This initiative comes after the identification of the new strain in the New Juabeng Municipality of the Eastern Region in September, which has been genetically linked to a similar type 2 strain found in Algeria.

Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, made the announcement in Kumasi, emphasising the urgency of the vaccination exercise.

He expressed concern that despite Ghana’s significant achievements in controlling wild strains of polio, the emergence of this new strain poses a serious threat to the nation’s polio eradication efforts.

Dr. Adomako-Boateng warned that low vaccine uptake and inadequate sanitation practices in communities could hinder progress and lead to a resurgence of polio.

He urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the vaccination to protect them from this potentially debilitating disease.

The GHS is committed to conducting this vaccination campaign vigorously, targeting a total of 1.4 million children in the Ashanti Region.

The health authority hopes that by increasing vaccine coverage, they can effectively prevent the spread of the new polio strain and safeguard public health.

“The sequencing results indicates the virus is genetically linked to virus isolates in Algeria. Typically, if it was in Algeria and it’s in Ghana, it means if it’s in the Eastern Region, all children in the country are at risk,” he cautioned.

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According to GHS, the first case was recorded on October 4, 2024.

The Service in a statement explained that, this was when a patient reported at a health facility with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

The individual had recently attended a funeral in Ada East.

Since then, a total of nine cholera cases have been confirmed in both Ada West and Ada East as of October 11, 2024.

In response, the GHS has activated Public Health Emergency Management Committees (PHEMCs) at the national, regional, and district levels.

A multi-sectoral Public Health Emergency Rapid Response Team (PHERRT) has also been deployed, including representatives from the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Ghana Education Service (GES), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and Environmental Health Units.

Several actions including ongoing outbreak investigations and environmental assessments, issuing alerts to health facilities across the country among others have been put in place.

The public have therefore been urged to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and report any symptoms of cholera to the nearest health facility.

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The latest case is the mother of a 15-year-old boy who was diagnosed in September. Health officials are now closely monitoring both patients to prevent further spread.

Deputy Director of Disease Surveillance at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Dennis Laryea, assured the public that authorities are taking all necessary steps to contain the virus.

Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, is a viral infection transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

Health officials urge the public to remain vigilant, follow hygiene protocols, and promptly report any suspected symptoms to healthcare providers.

The Ghana Health Service has intensified public awareness efforts and is working with local health facilities to ensure preparedness for potential cases. Additional resources have been mobilized to track other contacts, especially in affected communities.

Source: Adomonline

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The affected individual is a 15-year-old male who visited a district government hospital on September 25, 2024, with symptoms that included a three-day history of fever, body aches, sore throat, and a rash that initially appeared on his palms and face.

In a public statement, the GHS warned that 230 additional suspected cases have been reported across 88 districts nationwide.

Authorities have identified 25 individuals who had contact with the patient and are currently monitoring them closely.

The GHS is conducting a preliminary public health investigation regarding the confirmed case and plans to notify the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of its ongoing response efforts.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and adhere to health guidelines to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Source: Adomonline

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The program will run from Wednesday, October 2, to Sunday, October 6, 2024.

This initiative is designed to protect children from measles and rubella while also offering essential vitamin A supplements to promote overall health.

Speaking at a press conference in the Upper East Region, Regional Director of Health Service, Dr. Samuel Boakye-Boateng, emphasized the significance of the campaign, citing recent measles outbreaks in the region.

The Bawku West and Garu Districts were notably affected, alongside sporadic cases in five other districts.

“This is a nationwide supplemental immunization activity, integrating measles-rubella vaccines with vitamin A supplementation. Earlier this year, we saw outbreaks across the country, including in the Upper East, where some districts recorded multiple cases” Dr. Boakye-Boateng explained.

He further clarified that, an outbreak is defined as three or more cases in a district, which was observed in Bawku West and Garu, prompting further investigation.

Source: Adomonline

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Most of the victims, who died prematurely as young men and women, suffered from liver failure and liver cancer.

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, disclosed this at the Ghana Hepatitis Stakeholders’ Conference 2024 in Accra on Wednesday.

He explained that, Ghana had a high burden of predominantly chronic Hepatitis B, and to a lesser extent, chronic Hepatitis C, both of which caused significant illness and premature deaths from liver-related conditions for thousands of Ghanaians.

The high burden, he explained, appeared to be disproportionately shared between the northern and southern parts of the country, with the northern part having a higher burden.

The conference was organised by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in partnership with the Hepatitis Foundation of Ghana and Abbot Diagnostics on the theme, “mobilising partnerships for viral hepatitis elimination in Ghana”.

It was aimed at increasing the awareness of stakeholders about hepatitis and also enabling them to appreciate the work ahead so that they can support the country in meeting its obligation to eliminate the disease.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is the condition that results when the liver is inflamed or when the liver is infected by disease-causing microorganisms. Hepatitis is very broad and includes viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis and pathogens that cause hepatitis.

Within viral hepatitis, there is Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E.

An estimate published in 2016 put the prevalence rate of hepatitis in the country at 12.3 per cent, which was far above the eight per cent prevalence threshold.

Dr Kuma-Aboagye said even though the country had a high burden of Hepatitis B and C, very few of these had been diagnosed due to low testing capacity and inadequate reporting.

He added that it had been estimated that every year, about eight per cent of new babies were born to mothers who tested positive for Hepatitis B at the antenatal clinics.

He further said there was a higher risk of transmission from mother to the baby, depending on the virus type and other factors.

He said eliminating Hepatitis B required concerted, coordinated and accountable interventions, and therefore, encouraged stakeholders to engage the control programme to identify available gaps in helping the country to eliminate the disease.

Worldwide

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Ghana, Dr Frank Lule, said worldwide, about 300 million people live with the disease, with more than a million new infections being recorded every year and more than a million deaths.

“If you divide that, we are getting more than 3,000 people dying every day because of chronic viral hepatitis. And we are at a time when we have so many tools at our disposal to do something about the disease.

“We now have the diagnostics. The medicines available to us have never been cheaper than what they are now so I think we are at a time when we can really do something about this,” he said.

The Egyptian Ambassador to Ghana, A. M. Youssef, said some low and middle-income countries such as Egypt and Georgia had been able to eliminate Hepatitis C, and as such he was hopeful that Ghana would also succeed in doing so in a better way.

He said in the case of Egypt eliminating the disease, they embarked on an aggressive screening and treatment programme that evolved into a national strategy.

A Deputy Minister of Health, Alexander Kwasi Acquah, said eliminating the disease required more partnerships, and therefore, commended all partners for their support in the fight against the disease, including the government of Egypt, which delivered Hepatitis C medicines, coupled with its  readiness to offer technical assistance to Ghana.

He said the Ministry would open dialogue with the Ministry of Finance to mobilise domestic resources and create the needed fiscal space to fund viral hepatitis elimination.

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This has been blamed on vaccine hesitancy in the region where several children within the targeted group were left unimmunized in mid-2024 comprising 7,865 children for Penta 3 and 9,459 for Measles/Rubella 2, using these vaccines as proxy.

The Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Chrisantus Kubio revealed this at the stakeholder engagement in Ho.

“In recent times Ghana has recorded measles outbreaks in some of its districts which includes district in the Volta Region. Per data available, Rubella cases are also on the rise.

“It should be noted that the region has recorded eight (8) confirmed cases of measles this year, although below the epidemic threshold. To halt the spread of these diseases, national mass campaigns will be organized in all the districts in Ghana, including the 16 regions in the Volta Region from 2nd October to 6th October 2024”, he said.

He therefore entreated parents to make available their children to be vaccinated, adding “that our inability to vaccinate all children from the vaccine-preventable diseases has consequences.”

The Volta Regional Deputy Director of Health Services, Dr. Senanu Kwasi Djokoto called for a stakeholder collaboration toward increasing vaccination coverage in the region, by tackling misinformation and disinformation which had led to vaccine hesitancy and low vaccination rates in his jurisdiction.

He further noted that, after 11 COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, only 538,195 persons out of the 1,113,194 have been fully vaccinated by September 2024, representing 48.3% of the targeted population in the Volta Region.

“When the wrong information goes ahead of people, trying to correct it and giving them the right information to generate a demand is always difficult. We have been through this cycle over and over again and it looks like things have gotten better over time.

“So people are encouraged to continue to accept the COVID-19 vaccination in their respective facilities close to them. This would enable us to get to that health immunity and also protect us. Globally we have seen an upsurge in cases”, he said.

Dr. Djokoto added that COVID-19 vaccination would be made routine to make it accessible to especially the vulnerable in society, such as pregnant women, people above 65 years, and persons with underlying medical conditions, among others.

Source: myjoyonline

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The move forms part of heightened surveillance in the wake of the outbreak of the Mpox disease in some 15 African countries.

The Director of Public Health at GHS, Dr. Franklin Asiedu Bekoe who disclosed this on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Thursday asked Ghanaians to be cautious.

He, however, did not mention whether it will be at a fee or free.

“The travellers will undergo screening for us to know they don’t have Mpox at the borders, land, sea and the airports. There will be guidelines at the hospitals for the doctors to know how to handle such cases. So we have an updated national plan,” he said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the disease a global health emergency after it confirmed a total of 2030 cases and 13 deaths this year, compared with 1145 cases and seven deaths in the whole of 2023.

Four countries – Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda – previously unaffected by Mpox have reported cases since mid-July 2024.

Although the disease is rare, it can be deadly.

On the back of this, Dr Bekoe said GHS will immediately begin awareness and sensitisation.

“We will start making pictures to educate people and we will once again begin training and orientation for our staff. Early detection is important and thankfully, we have the reference laboratory and Noguchi to help with testing and confirmation of cases,” he added.

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As of today, July 17, 2024, only one patient was hospitalised and has since been discharged.

The remaining patients are being managed at home and are in stable condition.

The GHS has urged the public to be aware of Dengue Fever symptoms, which include sudden onset of high-grade fever, severe headache (especially in the forehead), muscle, bone and joint pains, nausea and/or vomiting, and rash.

Ongoing response activities include clinician orientation on case definitions, stakeholder meetings with District Health Management Teams, Municipal/District Chief Executives, and local chiefs, as well as risk communication in affected districts.

Read the full statement below:

According to her, 30 days is too long to bring the perpetrators who committed this inhumane act to face justice.

This comes on the back of an instruction by the Health Minister, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye for the committee formed by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to investigate the alleged abandonment of a patient at Gomoa Ojobi to submit its findings within 30 days.

The committee comprises the Deputy Director-General of GHS, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon from Ridge Hospital, representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Social Welfare Department, and a senior Nurse Manager.

The committee’s task is to determine the full circumstances of the case and recommend appropriate actions.

But speaking on Newsfile, the GII boss found it too long a time for a conclusion to be reached especially when there is evidence and accounts from various quarters in connection to the development.

“In this case, 30 days to what? Everything attests to what has been done. There is evidence to show that wrong has been done and certainly, those who have done the wrong are known. So why do we need 30 days to establish these facts which have already been established?”

“It is through these we continue to see impunity thrive, it is through this we continue to let people go and when people continue to go scot-free for doing such wrong and such inhumane acts, then people are emboldened to continue to carry on,” she added on Saturday, June 15.

The investigation will focus on establishing the patient’s identity and background, reviewing the events leading to the patient’s admission to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital, and examining the diagnosis and management at the hospital.

It will also scrutinize the processes involved in the patient’s discharge and transportation to Ojobi, identify all individuals involved in these actions, and report on any other relevant issues arising from the incident.

The Health Minister charged the committee with a thorough investigation to uncover all aspects of the case and ensure accountability.

The committee is expected to provide comprehensive recommendations to prevent similar occurrences and improve patient care standards at healthcare facilities under the GHS.

On Friday, Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, called for the immediate summoning of the board and management.

According to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the matter demonstrates “the height of inhumanity and parliament should take an interest.”

On Wednesday, June 12, a woman with P.O.P on both legs, wrapped in a cloth with a wheelchair by her side was left in a bush.

Reports indicate that, the woman was abandoned by an ambulance from the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba according to some eyewitnesses in the community.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 14, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, condemned the act and insisted that all stakeholders involved be urgently summoned to address the issue.

“It has been reported that doctors and nurses at the Winneba Government just threw out a patient who had an accident because they couldn’t locate her family.

“They just took her in an ambulance and went and dumped her in the bush and she died after three days.”

Specifically, the MP demanded that “we have to summon the Health Minister, the Ghana Health Service, and the board and management of the Winneba Government Hospital.

Majority Leader and MP for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, stated that he has already written to the hospital demanding a full report on the incident.

Earlier on Friday, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) said it had commenced investigations into the incident.

The Majority Leader believes that Parliament must allow the Ghana Health Service to conclude its investigation into the matter.

Ruling on the matter, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin expressed concern over the recurrence of such incidents in the country and urged the Ghana Health Service to expedite their investigation.

The GHS probe will focus on establishing the patient’s identity and background, reviewing the events leading to the patient’s admission to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital, and examining the diagnosis and management at the hospital.

It will also scrutinise the processes involved in the patient’s discharge and transportation to Ojobi, identify all individuals involved in these actions, and report on any other relevant issues arising from the incident.

The Health Minister charged the committee thorough investigation to uncover all aspects of the case and ensure accountability.

The committee is expected to provide comprehensive recommendations to prevent similar occurrences and improve patient care standards at healthcare facilities under the GHS.

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According to the report, the patient was previously admitted to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba and, after being discharged without her relatives collecting her, was transported in the hospital’s ambulance and left in a wheelchair in Gomoa Ojobi, where she claimed to be from.

Tragically, the patient was later found dead.

The GHS has expressed deep concern over this incident and has launched a thorough investigation to verify the facts and circumstances surrounding the case.

This is part of their commitment to uphold the highest standards of care and accountability within the public health system.

In a statement, the GHS assured the public that anyone found responsible for any misconduct in relation to this incident will face severe repercussions as per the Ghana Health Service’s Code of Conduct.

They have appealed to the public to remain patient while the investigation is ongoing, emphasizing that appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings.

The GHS is dedicated to ensuring that such incidents do not recur and is committed to maintaining the integrity and ethical standards of the health service.

Burkitt lymphoma is one of the four most common childhood cancers which has been included in the benefit package of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Rituximab on the other hand is a critical medication used to treat patients with Burkitt lymphoma, with each vial costing GH¢5,000.

This donation was made possible through the joint efforts of the international pharmaceutical company, Amgen, and the Ghana Chapter of World Child Cancer (WCC), a UK-based non-governmental organisation, working in the area of childhood cancer.

The shipment documents, covering the 1,510 vials of rituximab, were formally handed over to the Ghana Health Service at a meeting on Friday, May 21.

Donation

The Project Coordinator of WCC, Juliet Akuamoah Boateng, who spoke on behalf of the Country Coordinator, Adwoa Pinamang Boateng Desu, said the donation formed part of several interventions being undertaken by her outfit to support victims of the cancer.

She explained that the donation was to support the government to improve access to essential treatment for children with burkitt lymphoma in the country.

Emphasising the commitment of WCC towards childhood cancers in the country, she said her organisation had, since commencing its operations in the country in 2010, embarked on capacity-building for healthcare professionals in early warning signs and symptoms of childhood cancer.

Aside from that, she said WCC had also invested resources in nutritional and psycho-social support for both families and victims. She further commended the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service for their crucial role in absorbing all the four childhood cancers into the benefit package of the NHIS.

Ms Akuamoah Boateng further announced that WCC was awarding scholarships to survivors of childhood cancers to support them from basic school through to the university.

Commendation

For his part, the Deputy Director-General, Dr Anthony Adofo Ofosu, expressed gratitude to Amgen and WCC for the kind gesture. “Donations such as these go beyond physical relief; it communicates psychosocial support to families and children diagnosed with cancer.

Indeed, investing in child health is an integral aspect of Ghana’s roadmap towards attaining universal health coverage by 2030.

“Your donation is indeed timely, as it will complement Ghana’s commitment towards improving the availability of childhood cancer medication for children across all treatment and shared-care centre,” he said.

He added that addressing childhood health issues, especially chronic diseases such as cancers, was crucial since it prevented long-term health complications and reduced future health financing challenges.

A total of 204 vacancies are available for doctors, with an additional 25 vacancies for dentists across all regions.

Greater Accra Region is offering 25 slots for doctors and no vacancies for dentists.

In contrast, the Ashanti Region boasts the highest number of vacancies, with 30 slots for doctors and 5 slots for dentists.

Other regions such as Bono, Bono East, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, and Volta have 10 slots each for doctors.

Meanwhile, regions like Ahafo, North East, and Oti offer 8 slots each for doctors.

Savanna and Western North Regions have 9 slots each for doctors, while the Central and Eastern Regions provide 17 and 15 slots for doctors, respectively.

However, Greater Accra, Ahafo, Bono East, North East, Oti, Savanna, Western and Western North Region have no slot for dentists.

Interested Medical Officers are encouraged to visit any region of their choice with available vacancies.

They must submit the required documents, including a certificate of permanent registration from the Medical and Dental Council for placement.

The application deadline is set for Friday, May 31, 2024.

This initiative by the Ghana Health Service aims to address staffing needs in healthcare facilities across the country and improve access to quality healthcare services for all citizens

The exercise to take place between May 7 and May 10, 2024, according to GHS, is in response to escalating infections at various healthcare facilities.

The Director of Public Health, Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe who disclosed this explained that, the exercise will be targeted in parts of the Greater Accra where cases have been recorded so far.

“We are getting a few cases reported in parts of Accra and a few other regions. And it brings to bear the fact that Ghanaians need to be vaccinated and so on the 4th to the 10th of May, we are going to do a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign and we want to urge all Ghanaians to be part of the exercise.

“We plan to do about four or five before the end of the year. The thinking is that we need to get the necessary population immunity that will help us minimize the risk of getting infections in the country,” he explained in a report by Accra-based Citi News.

Dr Asiedu-Bekoe has urged strict adherence to safety measures and protocols as he expressed worry over the easy transmission.

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The system, which was introduced in 2015 detects, investigates and controls diseases.

The system has successfully been deployed in 3 simultaneous outbreaks in Nigeria that is Lassa fever, bacterial meningitis and monkey pox.

In Ghana, SORMAS has been piloted in 36 districts in 2 regions.

Speaking at One Health Sub-Saharan Africa workshop in Kumasi, Dr Asiedu-Bekoe identified inadequate use of SORMAS is causing delays in sample results feedback.

He again observed low coverage of staff in implementing districts and regions as hampering effective use of the system.

He was optimistic the training of staff and a nationwide implementation of SORMAS will help quell pandemics.

It was organized by the Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology in collaboration with the International Programmes Office and the University of Bremen.

It is also supported by the E-Learning Centre KNUST and AI4PEP Project.

The 3-day workshop, which was both in-person and online saw participation of experts across the sub-region deliberate on public health issues.

The programme featured experts like Malaria Data Advisor at the National Malaria Eradication Programme, Samuel Oppong who discussed malaria transmission in Ghana.

The malaria discourse also had Dr Myat Su Yin of Mahidol University who is using Internet of Things for Mosquito surveillance. Prof. Dr Peter Haddaway of the same University also discussed mapping of dengue vector breeding sites from street view images.

Prof. Ebenezer Bonyah of Akenten Appiah-Menka University also spoke about the social perspective of malaria.

Emerging technologies like Artificial intelligence use in healthcare was also discussed.

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The month of February has seen exceptionally severe weather, with dryness and dust leading to a notably high Air Quality Index, according to reports from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency also reports intense heat in the forthcoming months of March and April. These unfavorable weather trends present health hazards, particularly respiratory ailments and meningitis, for the populace.

The GHS in response to this, has put out guidelines aimed at mitigating the effects of severe weather conditions on public health.

These recommendations include; restricting outdoor activities, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, advocating the use of face masks to diminish dust exposure, emphasizing the importance of staying well-hydrated by consuming ample water throughout the day, and ensuring that individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma adhere to their prescribed medication regimen.

The GHS also noted that, the Northern region of the country, in particular, is confronted with a heightened risk of meningitis due to the dry and hot weather conditions prevailing there.

However, the Health Service advises individuals who experience symptoms such as fever and neck stiffness to promptly seek medical attention at the nearest health facility.

Press release below:

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Programmes Manager for the National AIDs and Sexually Transmitted Diseases at the GHS, Dr Stephen Ayisi Addo said the taxes on drugs at the port are high which makes it difficult for the service to purchase them due to the limited resources.

Speaking to JoyNews on The Pulse on February 14, Dr Addo said the continued delay might affect their patients and worsen their conditions.

“There has been a significant escalation in the pricing for clearing. So what is even allocated in our budget is lower than what is required now for the clearing,” he said.

He explained that the government must understand that these drugs sustain human life and measures must be put in place to ensure that there is constant supply.

“We need to first of all agree that this is life-saving. It is preventing something. If we actually lift our foot off the pedal, what will happen is we are building a reservoir of HIV drug resistance streams because now you don’t have the medication.

“People don’t take it. The virus multiplies, and we have mutated streams. That will be more difficult to treat, and so we don’t want a second epidemic. The country must agree that it is important, and we need to prioritise it,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the GHS is having discussions to secure a tax waiver from the Ministry of Finance to be able to secure drugs cheaply.

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The hospital has also been fully accredited by the Health Facility Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) as a secondary-level health facility.

The facility has also been accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons as a center for specialist training of Members and Fellows of the College, contributing to critical human resource development for the country’s health sector.

This recognition affirms the hospital’s disposition and commitment to the delivery of secondary or referral-level healthcare that meets international standards for quality to the people in the Bono Region and its environs, eliminating the need for them to travel to Kumasi or Accra for specialist-level service in obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and surgical treatment.

The hospital administrator credits the SafeCare quality improvement certification program with the spurring enhancements in various quality standards and protocols, which led to the hospital’s elevation by the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

The hospital administrator, Christopher Akaanbonaab, highlighted the hospital’s journey from its establishment in 1954 as a health post by medical missionaries to its current status as a secondary Hospital facility and a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery.

He emphasized that the accreditation not only benefits patients and the hospital’s image but also mandates the training of medical staff in the region, facilitating the decentralization of healthcare professionals’ development, and their equitable distribution that will lead to overall improvement of healthcare services in the in the region and the country at large.

We currently have accreditation for training in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and surgery. This is an opportunity to contribute critical human resource development for the health sector of our country, and we are honored to be part of it, stated Mr. Akaanbonaab.

He further expressed the hospital’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its quality of care through continuous improvement to progress to SafeCare Level 5 status.

“Level 4 out of 5 means we have one more step to go. We still recognise that there’s a lot more work to be done. First, to maintain this current rating and more importantly to improve upon it and get the highest rating, which is Level 5”.

In the face of a dwindling number of health professionals in rural communities, Mr. Akaanbonaab also lauded the idea of decentralization of medical training in the country.

“One way to improve this current situation would be to decentralize residents training to major regional centers that can offer opportunities for more candidates who will not have to move from their social setting to Accra or Kumasi”.

The Executive Director of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Dr. Peter Yeboah, described the upgrade of the Holy Family Hospital as monumental, paving the way for the training of more health professionals to address healthcare challenges in the more resource-constrained parts of the country.

“To us, it is not only monumental, it is so much a vital instrument for training specialists at the peripheral level. Meaning that we’ll be able to attract and retain specialists who will be trained as part of localization and decentralization to ensure that quality healthcare services are spread to the peripheral ends.”

The current status of the facility as a referral centre also makes it the first CHAG hospital to be accredited by the college to train specialists in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, surgery, and internal medicine. According to the Executive Director of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Dr. Peter Yeboah, this gives meaning to the decentralisation policy of the College of Physicians and Surgeons and aligns very well with Ghana’s quest to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

“The concept of decentralization in training members and fellows of the college has long been an objective of the Ghana Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons. After rigorous assessment, the Holy Family Hospital has been accredited to train fellows,” Dr. Yeboah explained.

Hospital authorities are enthusiastic about providing globally standardised healthcare services and equipping healthcare professionals with internationally accepted skills, aligning with Ghana’s goal of achieving universal health coverage.

The hospital has imbibed and leveraged the ambition of SafeCare, which is to create a global platform of organisations and people willing to pursue innovative approaches to improve clinical quality, using transformative digital solutions to challenge the status quo and strengthen trust in the healthcare system.

This achievement places the facility, located in the Bole district of Savannah Region, at the forefront of healthcare excellence, being the first under the Ghana Health Service to escalate from Level 2 to Level 4 within just a year.

Speaking to journalists in Accra, at a short ceremony to present the SafeCare level 4  certification, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye said that quality remains a challenge for all healthcare systems worldwide.

“The challenges and the issues to deal with in quality of care gets more serious as you move towards the remote parts of the country like Bamboi,” he added.

GHS to adopt the internationally accredited SafeCare quality improvement standards

The GHS Director General said the quest for the highest quality of care in health services must be a cross-cutting system that must permeate all the care delivered in the facilities, including the management systems.

Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye is impressed with the SafeCare methodology and how its adoption could accelerate the quality improvement journey Ghana Health Services is working towards.

“I am confident that we can adapt the SafeCare standards to the Ghanaian situation and context and improve the quality of care in Ghana’s healthcare delivery system,” he emphasized.

Dr. Aboagye praised the Bamboi team’s resilience and commitment to achieving SafeCare’s quality standards, noting that such improvements are crucial across Ghana’s health services for consistently high-quality care and attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

What does Level 4 SafeCare mean for the client?

The Country Director for SafeCare Bonifacia Benefo Agyei explained that SafeCare Level 4 ensures that patients at Bamboi Polyclinic receive uniform, consistent, and high-standard care, significantly lowering risk and elevating quality.

“This milestone is a testament to the clinic’s adherence to strict protocols and procedures, leveraging data to identify and address gaps in care delivery. This award not only marks a leap in healthcare management but also sets a precedent for other facilities to follow, showcasing the potential for substantial improvement in healthcare quality across Ghana.” She added.

Bonifacia Benefo Agyei further explained that for the healthcare managers and health policymakers, improving the quality of care and reducing risks that come with the SafeCare Level 4, facilities will reduce waste and cost and ultimately increase patronage and profitability.

“Bamboi did this in one year, they moved from Level 2 to Level 4. So among Polyclinics, this one at Bamboi stands out in Ghana,” Bonifacia added.

She challenged other healthcare facilities to be inspired by the successes chalked by the Bamboi Polyclinic and push higher to improve the quality of care delivered through the SafeCare methodology.

The Acting Medical Superintendent of the Bamboi Polyclinic, Dr. Boi Vituse Vikpenoba, also noted that the SafeCare quality improvement programme has impacted the operation and management of the hospital positively and greatly improved health outcomes for patients.

They gave us a lot of guidelines and action plans, we developed a lot of protocols with monitoring and evaluation and after that, we have seen a lot of improvements in attendance in the facility,” he explained.

Dr. Boi Vituse Vikpenoba said, “At the theatre, the wards, the pharmacy, and even at the OPD we see a lot of improvements.”

Speaking about the actual actions that have led to the attainment of this feat by the Polyclinic, the quality improvement focal person Kennedy Kuredoh said a seven-member team has been set up by the management of the facility to review the performance of the team, and assigned the quality improvement tasks to the team.

He added that the team consistently monitors the SafeCare App to appreciate where the gaps are and it guides the teams to address those gaps

About PharmAccess Foundation and SafeCare

The goal of PharmAccess is to make inclusive health markets work in sub-Saharan Africa, realizing that the first wealth is health.

PharmAccess challenges the notion that exclusion from essential healthcare is an inevitable consequence of living in poorer countries and identifies the opportunities and partners – both private and public needed to bring about holistic transformation in failing health markets.

Focusing on the very root causes that hamper healthcare financing and investments towards equitable and quality healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa, the organisation works as an innovator and catalyst for pragmatic solutions that can be adopted, adapted, and scaled by partners.

PharmAccess also works with an integrated approach that addresses both the demand and supply side of the healthcare system and uses the opportunities that mobile technology and data provide to leapfrog development in health markets in sub-Saharan Africa.

PharmAccess cherishes partnerships in achieving these tasks. On the other hand, the goal of SafeCare is to inspire the improvement of quality and safety in healthcare delivery through innovative approaches such as the use of digital solutions.

Setting and improving quality standards in these challenging environments is the central mission of SafeCare.

The ambition of SafeCare is to create a global platform of organisations and people willing to pursue innovative approaches to improve clinical quality, using transformative digital solutions to challenge the status quo and strengthen trust in the healthcare system.

This is achieved through its three core values of transparency, collaboration, and building value. In the last decade, SafeCare shared results, stories and learned lessons and provides real-time data on the scale, scope, and quality of services; all in the bid to improve the quality and safety of healthcare delivery.

By collaborating through global and national partnerships, SafeCare intends to create the greatest possible impact with minimal resources.

The Ghana Health Service says the figure comprises professional and critical caregivers.

Some health professionals leaving the country have cited poor working conditions in Ghana as the reason for vacating their positions to seek greener pastures abroad.

The Ghana Health Service, as part of efforts to address the worrying concern, said it has revised and doubled study leave for unprofessional nurses as far back as 2021 and anticipates that by the middle of next year, most of these unprofessional nurses that took advantage would have qualified to fill the gap created.

But the Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, while debating on the Health Ministry’s 2024 budget, said the government must consider an increment in remuneration to deal with the trend.

“Mr. Speaker, I think that we should look at the remuneration [of nurses]. If we look at the compensation, it was over and above what was allocated and if people have left, the compensation should then climb up. We should do a proper audit of the nurses who have left to know the deficit and should be able to employ to replace those who have exited.”

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The caution is a response to the contamination of water sources with faecal bacteria and E. coli, rendering the water unsafe for consumption.

The revelation was made during a press briefing on the flood situation on Wednesday, where the Director of Public Health, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, addressed the critical issue of water safety in communities impacted by flooding.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe stated, “VRA and other partners have helped to get access to potable water, but how safe is the water? In the next six months, that is what we are going to focus on. We cannot drink the water now.”

Acknowledging the immediate need for alternative water sources, Dr Asiedu-Bekoe recommended that flood victims use aqua tabs for water purification before consumption.

This precautionary measure is deemed essential to safeguard the health of those affected by the floods.

To ensure widespread adherence to these crucial guidelines, Dr Asiedu-Bekoe urged flood victims to comply with water consumption restrictions until further notice.

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This initiative aligns with the pursuit of universal healthcare goals.

Under the leadership of Director General Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, the GHS has joined forces with PharmAccess Ghana to launch the SafeCare Quality Improvement Program in a limited capacity within the Savannah and Bono East regions.

The purpose of this pilot rollout is to assess the incorporation of SafeCare Standards and quality enhancement methodologies within GHS settings.

The goal is to instigate positive changes and advancements in the healthcare system.

Over the past year, 40 healthcare facilities, including district hospitals, polyclinics, and health centers, underwent an introduction to SafeCare quality standards and improvement methods.

The assessment of these facilities was conducted using the International Society for Quality in Health Care’s External Evaluation Association (ISQua IEEA) accredited standards.

Subsequently, a series of quality improvement initiatives were implemented to support these facilities in enhancing their baseline performance.

Digital applications were also provided to facilitate access to supportive documents, track activities, and offer training for continuous improvement.

Furthermore, more than 100 smaller healthcare facilities in the Savannah and Bono East regions were introduced to a self-administered assessment tool.

This tool allows providers to evaluate their facilities’ performance in quality and receive recommendations for improvement.

In a supportive supervision visit in September 2023, Director General Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye assessed selected facilities implementing the SafeCare program.

The visit aimed to observe the program’s adoption, identify progress and challenges, and inspire other facilities to enhance their commitment to improving the quality of care.

Drawing inspiration from the successful adoption of the SafeCare program by the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye invited Dr. Peter Yeboah, the Executive Director of CHAG, to share his experiences.

The visit, accompanied by PharmAccess Country Director Dr. Maxwell Akwasi Antwi, emphasized the importance of leadership, attitude, and investment in quality improvement programs like SafeCare.

During the visit, Dr. Peter Yeboah highlighted CHAG’s progress since the inception of the SafeCare program in 2019.

He proposed healthy competition and collaboration between GHS and CHAG to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through equitable and high-quality healthcare access.

The Country Director of PharmAccess, Dr. Maxwell Antwi, emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts between the government and private organizations to establish a resilient, high-quality healthcare delivery system.

He stressed the urgency of creating a healthcare system that ensures patients receive adequate care without the need for physical activation—a legacy health system for the current generation.

The SafeCare Small-Scale Rollout Project in Ghana Health Service, which began a year ago in October 2022, showcases the power of partnerships in significantly improving healthcare quality and delivery.

Preliminary reports from the one-year assessment indicate a 75% improvement in the quality scores of the reassessed facilities. Notably, Bamboi Polyclinic has progressed from SafeCare Level 2 to Level 4 since the baseline assessment.

Ms. Bonifacia Benefo Agyei, the SafeCare Director of Ghana, congratulates Bamboi Polyclinic’s Management and Staff for this achievement.

She encourages them to sustain improvements, adhere to established processes, and aim for SafeCare Level 5, while also urging other facilities to emulate their success.

The ongoing project holds the promise of positively impacting the lives of many Ghanaians by providing access to high-quality healthcare services.

He said wide disparities persisted in malnutrition rates across the regions, locations and wealth quintiles and, therefore, stressed the need for comprehensive interventions to address those complex and varied challenges. 

This challenge, compounded by the emerging problem of over-nutrition, indicates that the country is grappling with multiple facets of malnutrition,” the D-G said.

He, however, said some progress had been made in reducing underweight, anaemia, and stunting in children, as well as improvement in early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding rates.

Dr. Kuma-Aboagye spoke at a closeout event on advancing nutrition learning organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Project

The project provides technical support to advance the government’s effort to improve the planning and delivery of services to promote household resilience and early childhood growth and development in 55 districts across five regions. 

The project, which commenced in 2020, also aims at strengthening coordination mechanisms, improving nutrition planning and integration into development plans, addressing the lack of tools 
for nutrition planning and integration, and addressing the underlying causes of malnutrition. 

Ghana is among 12 countries in Africa that is benefiting from the project.

Progress

The Mission Director of USAID, Kimberly Rosen, said while the country had made some progress in the area of health over the past decades, the nutritional status of children under five still remained a concern.

Quoting the 2022 Demographic Health Survey, she said it revealed that the rate of wasting (low weight for height) increased from five percent in 2014 to six percent in 2022, while stunting (low height for age) was 18 percent as compared to 19 percent in 2014.

She said stunting remained high particularly in the northern regions, peaking at 30 percent in the Northern Region and 29 percent in the North East Region.

“Poor nutrition has many adverse consequences for child survival and long-term well-being. It also has far-reaching consequences for human capital, economic productivity, and national development overall,” the Mission Director added. 

Ms Rosen said the US was committed to supporting the government in achieving its health and nutrition objectives, including building a more resilient, productive, and inclusive society.

Interventions

The Chief of Party, USAID Advancing Nutrition Ghana, Selorme Kofi Azumah, said under the project, more than 5,700 health workers received training and supportive supervision to improve nutrition service delivery.

He said it also supported the GHS to reach more than 250,000 children under five and about 120,000 pregnant women with nutrition services, among other interventions.

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The drugs have been stuck at the ports since July 2023.

JoyNews’ James Avedzi, after an interview with management of the service, confirmed that the issue of shortage has come to their attention.

According to the managers, they are working to resolve the issue.

They assured that by Wednesday, October 11, the drugs should be distributed to various health centers.

The Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+ Ghana) had revealed that Ghana is experiencing a shortage of anti-retroviral medication specifically the Abacavir Lamivudine regimen for Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) across the country.

The Abacavir Lamivudine regimen is one of the many regimens that PLHIV needs daily to attain viral suppression, keep healthy and productive and in so doing, enable the country to reduce new HIV infections and end AIDS by 2030.

It is against this backdrop that the Minority caucus in parliament demanded that the Finance Ministry immediately grants tax exemption waivers for the immediate clearance of anti-retroviral drugs and other medical equipment and consumables at the port.

A release signed by the Ranking Member on the Health Committee, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said “The Minority in Parliament finds it an unconscionable gross dereliction of duty that government officials in the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance will leave, since July 2023, donated containers of HIV anti-retroviral drugs at the ports creating needless shortages for Persons Living with HIV.”

According to the minority, they would not “sit aloof and let government plunge us all into needless danger.”

According to the release, the situation “if unchecked could lead to an increase in the prevalence rate of HIV in Ghana, increase in morbidity and mortality for Persons Living with HIV, and increase the overall cost of HIV management in Ghana.”

“The health and well-being of Ghanaians are non-negotiable, and we urge the government to act swiftly and responsibly in addressing this crisis,” portions of the release stated.

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More than 50% of eye cases reported at the Police Hospital’s eye clinic are linked to Apollo and health officials warn of a fast spread across all 16 Regions.

Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, the Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service in an interview with Citi News stressed the need for individuals to refrain from touching their eyes and advocated for the promotion of frequent handwashing.

“This is about prevention, how do we ensure that people avoid touching their eyes, and we need to also promote handwashing,” the Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service advised.

Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis or Apollo is a severe form of viral pink eye that could cause eyelid swelling, eye discharge, and bleeding. There’s no cure, but treatments can help you manage the symptoms until the virus clears.

Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) is inflammation of your conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers your eyeball and inner eyelid. This inflammation is usually due to an infection, allergen, or toxin. Certain viruses can cause a specific type of conjunctivitis called acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC).

In parts of West Africa, AHC is sometimes called “Apollo 11 disease” because scientists first discovered it in Ghana in 1969 Trusted Source, the year of the moon landing.

AHC is typically much more severe than other types of conjunctivitis. Symptoms can include painful swelling and noticeable bleeding in and around your eye.

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According to the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) in 2022, 52 per cent of Ghanaians practised OD, a situation the GHS said was worrying.

Mr Yussif Abubakari of the Nutrition Unit, Wa Municipal Health Directorate, said this in a presentation during a Regional Inter-agency Coordinating Committee on Sanitation (RICCS) meeting in Wa.

He said Water, Sanitation  and Hygiene (WASH) played a major role in improving nutrition outcomes saying, “You can have good food to eat, but when there is an infection the nutrients cannot be absorbed properly.”

Data from the Environmental Health and Sanitation Department (EHSD) indicates 815 out of 1,167 communities in the region had attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status with 13 ODF communities recorded in 2022 while no community had attained ODF status in the region in the first half of 2023.

“When there is open defecation a lot of it goes into the streams where people fetch water from, and you can get infections through that and when there are infections the absorption of nutrients within the human system is affected.

Once your system cannot absorb all the nutrients directly from the food, it means that the body will not get the required quantity of nutrients to function as required,” Mr Abubakari explained.

He indicated that children suffered the brunt of OD because they needed more nutrients to grow and once their system could not absorb it from the food due to infection resulting from OD, that would create a nutritional gap leading to under nutrition conditions such as stunting and wasting among children.

Other causes of malnutrition he mentioned were poor exclusive breastfeeding, late initiation of breastfeeding and high food insecurity, among others.

Mr Dennis Menance Bayuo, the Upper West Regional Focal Person on WASH, observed that it was imperative for concerted efforts between stakeholders to address environmental issues to improve the health and well-being of the people in the region.

He emphasised the need for increased and well-coordinated interventions between the stakeholders to improve the sanitation situation at the community level including access to toilet facilities.

Mr Issahaque Serikpera Naa, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yison Tech Hub, said the Hub was working in the Nandom and Lambussie Districts in partnership with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) to improve access to clean sanitation services in 20 communities.

The Global Communities, Vibrant Village Foundation, SNV and the Centre for Advancing Rural Opportunities (CARO)-Ghana among others also presented their interventions towards improving access to WASH in the region.

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The two institutions said the proposed legislation should grant full leave, flexible work arrangements, and breastfeeding leave to breastfeeding working parents.

In a joint statement to mark the 2023 Breastfeeding Week, the FDA and the GHS expressed concern that despite the health benefits of breastfeeding to newborns, many working parents still faced difficulties in keeping up with exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six months.

It said many working parents continued to give breast-feeding for up to two years or longer.

The statement said breastfeeding was a fundamental right of every child and important to child survival and development.

It appealed to employers to encourage and establish breastfeeding-friendly workplaces with safe spaces, hygienic facilities, and storage of breast milk.

“Long working hours, limited maternity leave, inadequate breastfeeding leave and the stigma surrounding breastfeeding in the workplace are some of the barriers preventing parents from providing nutrition, optimal for their infants,” the statement said.

It called on all stakeholders, including governments, employers, civil society, and community organisations, to work together to overcome those barriers and create a favourable environment to support breastfeeding for working parents.

The 2023 World Breastfeeding Week is on the theme: ‘Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents.’

The week-long awareness and sensitisation campaign emphasises the importance of creating a supportive environment that allows working parents to continue breastfeeding without affecting their work.

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The new vector was confirmed in March 2023 from samples taken in Tuba and Dansoman in the Greater Accra region.

In a statement, GHS explained this was as part of the routine malaria surveillance system and vector control monitoring done nationwide through designated sentinel sites.

“The Anopheles stephensi is a unique vector known to breed in a myriad of sources such as ponds, swamps, marshes, artificial containers and other man-made container spots. It can practically breed in almost all water sources, some of which are not the traditional breeding sites of the common Anopheles species, particularly in urban areas.

“The vector can also survive in extremely high temperatures during the dry season when malaria transmission usually declines. It is known to spread fast and adapt to different climatic conditions posing challenges to its control,” the statement explained.

The Service has therefore entreated the public to ensure the removal of water collection points in and around their homes and communities.

This GHS noted will help to minimize the breeding sites for this new mosquito species and also cover all water containers to avoid mosquito breeding.

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Also, households have been advised to use insecticide-treated nets to protect themselves against indoor mosquito bites.

The use of repellents and protective clothing that protects against mosquito bites and to screen doors and windows of rooms have also been advised.

Below is the statement

They include the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG), Measles-Rubella (MR), and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV).

The Director-General of the Service, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, led a delegation to receive the consignment at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Saturday.

This comes days after Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, assured that steps were being taken for the country to take delivery of children’s vaccines in three weeks.

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He noted by the end of the next three weeks, a country-wide assessment of several pediatric immunisations will be activated to help address the issue of immunisations in the country against some of the childhood killer diseases.

He said the present vaccination scarcity in Ghana was widespread and promised to take urgent steps to quickly obtain the vaccines for immunisation.

Meanwhile, the Minister has also refuted claims that there have been recorded deaths amongst children from measles as a result of the shortage of vaccines in the country.

With a population of over 90,000 people, the district is served by approximately 10 health centres.

Dr Kingsley Pascal, District Director of the Ghana Health Service for the area, in an interview with Citi News, expressed worry that there may be severe consequences if the situation persists.

“Because of the nature of the district, the terrain as well as network challenges and the relatively deprived nature of communities, it is very difficult to attract doctors. The facilities there do not have teacher services so usually when they are posted and come around and see the place, they go and do not return. There is no guarantee that things will be addressed in the shortest time.”

He adds that, while relevant stakeholders such as the District Chief Executive and Member of Parliament have been made aware of the situation, little has been done to address it.

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“The support is not coming as we expect. The stakeholders haven’t really prioritised what we are looking for. For more than six months we haven’t gotten that attention for things to be sorted out”, Dr Pascal added.

GUTA’s request comes ahead of the lifting of travel restrictions to China.

China is set to lift its travel ban on January 8, 2023, following restriction in 2020 since the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, GUTA President, Dr Joseph Obeng, stated their request is in the right direction since most traders go to China to transact business.

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“As we all know, China is a major destination of import for many Ghanaian traders, and as a result of the long wait, most Ghanaian businesses will want to resume their business trips to this productive and beautiful country,” he said.

The service has also predicted a surge in active cases due to the change in weather as recorded in some countries.

The Director-General, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, made the disclosure at a press conference as he assures of their readiness to contain it.

“There is also a potential for a new variant just like we had during the last Christmas -the Omicron variant.

“So, we also have to look at that as a risk factor, and so we need to be alert and make sure that we sustain the gains made so far, so we don’t go back to where we were many months ago,” he announced.

In view of this, he has urged the citizenry to take advantage of the ongoing mass vaccination exercise which he said a little over one million people have participated so far out of the expected 1.4 million.

Dr Kuma-Aboagye urged opinion leaders to entreat their people to take the vaccines.

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Ghana Health Service resumes Covid-19 vaccination exercise ahead of Christmas

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GHS from Wednesday, December 14, re-launched the vaccination for citizens who are yet to be vaccinated against Covid-19 ahead of the Christmas festivities.

The latest vaccination drive themed Protect Yourself, Protect Your Family, Get Vaccinated Against Covid-19, will end today, December 19, 2022.

Statistics from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) also indicates that only 28.1% of the region’s population have been fully vaccinated, making it the least covered among the 16 regions in the country. 

The Service blamed the low coverage on misunderstanding of the President’s directive on mask wearing, staff fatigue, open threats by some community members, low risk perception, misinformation, misconception, and disinformation, among others. 

In view of this, GHS embarked on stakeholders engagement across the region to enlighten residents about the importance of getting vaccinated.

A similar exercise was done in Adidome in the Central Tongu District where only 24% of the population have been fully vaccinated, the second least covered district in the region. 

This was in preparation for a mass vaccination campaign which would span between 14th December to 20th December, 2022 across the Volta Region.  

Speaking to the media, the acting Volta Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, lamented the vaccine hesitancy, which had led to incidents of the doses going waste.

He asserted that the stakeholder’s engagements coupled with measures are correcting the misinformation and misconceptions, exposing people to the significance of the vaccine and allaying their fears. 

He expressed optimism the number of vaccinated people would increase significantly in the near future. 

He classified the vaccine wastage into two; open vial wastage where a vaccinator is not able to complete an opened vial, and the close vial wastage where vaccines expire due to non-usage. 

“So for every 100 vaccines that we receive, as many as 42 are going waste”, he said. 

Dr Djokoto implored people in the Volta Region to get vaccinated during the mass campaign to fortify themselves as Christmas approaches. 

“We are hoping that we are able to cover a lot of people [during the mass vaccination exercise] because we know what happens in festivity. 

“A lot of merrymaking, people coming together and some may not adhere to all the protocols. In this circumstances, what can help will be we being protected by the vaccine. So we are encouraging everybody to take the vaccine,” he appealed. 

About 104,000 persons are targeted to receive at least a dose of the COVID-19 vaccines during the mass vaccination exercise between December 14th and December 20th, 2022.

Under the theme, Protect Yourself, Protect Your Family, Get Vaccinated Against covid-19, this edition is expected to vaccinate over 1.4 million people between 14th and 18th December 2023.

The GHS has currently administered a total of 21,179,341 vaccine doses as of November 30.

The Programme Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) at the GHS, Dr Kwame Amponsah-Achiano, told Adom News’ Reporter Shine Acquah, the vaccination campaign was on hold due to the rise of other diseases like yellow fever, polio and Marburg.

He said it has become necessary to ignite, especially during the period when there would be an influx of visitors into the country.

Dr Amponsah-Achiano has, therefore, urged the public to take advantage of the exercise, insisting that this is the best time to take the jab.

He stressed, existing Covid-19 prevention measures at the airport for visitors have been strengthened to reduce the number of cases which may enter the country.

“Travellers or tourists who have been fully vaccinated will no longer be vaccinated upon arrival. Those who have been vaccinated partially will have to conduct a PCR test 48/hours before arrival into the country where the person will also be subject to a test at the airport and will also be asked to fill out a Health Declaration Form which shall be provided to them at the airport,” he detailed.

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The GHS also debunked news about administering expired vaccines, stating a stability study was carried by World Health Organization and dates have been extended upon thorough lab checks, hence all drugs are safe for the public.

Meanwhile, UNICEF has admonished the public to accept Covid-19 vaccination as part of the routine vaccinations done for polio, yellow fever and the like.